Pittsburgh's Blake Hinson has moved on from his days in the Iowa State basketball program
GREENSBORO, N.C. – One thing was perfectly clear Thursday: Blake Hinson had absolutely nothing – good or bad – to say about Iowa State.
The former Cyclone from Deltona, Florida, was focused on the present, which in this case is helping 11th-seeded Pittsburgh defeat his former school at 2:10 p.m. Friday in the NCAA Tournament’s Midwest Regional at the Greensboro Coliseum.
“I’m just ready to play my next game in March Madness, and I’m focused on winning,” Hinson said when asked about Iowa State.
A Steve Prohm recruit, Hinson joined the Cyclones in the summer of 2020. He sat out due to a non-COVID-19 medical issue, then transferred shortly before the 2021-22 season, T.J. Otzelberger’s first as the coach.
More:Iowa State basketball has its NCAA Tournament opponent as Pitt wins First Four matchup
Why?
“I’d rather not say,” Hinson said, then added “I love it (at Pittsburgh). This is my favorite location I’ve ever been.
“This group is special. I would need a whole hour special to talk about the love I have for everybody.”
Over in the Iowa State locker room on Thursday, Jaz Kunc was asked about Hinson.
“We were roommates,” Kunc said. “He was with us a whole summer session and practiced with us the beginning of the fall session before he decided to transfer. It's worked out. It’s going to be a fun matchup on the court.”
Transfers are a part of college sports these days. With the transfer portal − anything goes.
“He came to Iowa State to play for a different coach,” said Otzelberger. “There was a change that was made, so there’s no hard feelings. He felt it was best for him to go elsewhere, and he’s done great.”
The 6-foot-7 Hinson has become one of the ACC’s top players, averaging 15.5 points and 6.1 rebounds. He’s shooting 43% from the floor and 38.4 percent from 3-point range.
“There’s nobody that hasn’t done well,” Otzelberger said. “He’s having a great career at Pitt. Our program is in a great place, so it’s a win-win for everybody.”
Iowa State columnist Randy Peterson is in his 51st year writing sports for the Des Moines Register. Reach him at rpeterson@dmreg.com, and on Twitter @RandyPete
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Blake Hinson's transfer from Iowa State to Pittsburgh was a win-win
